THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Roundup for Feb 22

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER!

Rihanna is about to CAUSE IT when this collabo by her and Chris gets released!

The ish hit the fan when it was confirmed by Miss Info that Rihanna would be releasing the remix to her album favorite, ‘Birthday Cake’ on her birthday (Feb 20th) and it would feature Chris Brown. Now, it seems as though Rihanna has a message for anyone that has issues with her putting Breezy on her remix.

And I’m sure that includes her boss Jay-z as well as Roc Nation who worked hard to help her rebuild her career after the 2009 incident involving Chris. It will be interesting to see whether the label will stop it’s release or if she’ll drop the remix as planned on Monday…

Get the alleged backstory plus more tweets from Rihanna and Chris responding to critics below.

Last year, this interesting tidbit made it’s way onto the internet as a blind item (around the time it was rumored that Rihanna was unhappy and ready to leave Roc Nation):
When Rihanna started making some noise about leaving JayZ’s RocNation last year, everyone thought that it was because JayZ was forcing her to take a break so all the focus would be on Beyonce’s baby and Beyonce’s new album. Nope.
It was actually because Rihanna didn’t like JayZ trying to control her love life. JayZ had spent several years taking Rihanna’s career to the next level (you might recall that her first big commercial hit was Umbrella with JayZ). He managed her to stardom, only to watch everything get thrown into turmoil when Chris Brown started beating on her. He helped to get her away from Chris Brown, get her healthy, and get her career back on track again.

Understandably, when JayZ found out that Rihanna was creeping around with Chris Brown again, he was furious. he asked her to stop, and she refused. Then she threatened to leave. Reports started popping up that she had fired JayZ. Lots of arguments and threats back and forth. As of today, she’s still at RocNation, but as long as she insists on seeing Chris Brown, this power struggle isn’t over yet. – BG

Besides the behind the scenes drama that may be going on with her label, Jay-z and her management, Rihanna’s tweets were more than likely provoked by an open letter to Rihanna that was posted on Billboard Magazine’s website. In it, Assistant Editor Jason Lipshultz writes:

..The news about CB dropping by your “Birthday Cake” remix… damn. Three years and nine days later, it is officially implied that, no matter if you two are “single” or “in a relationship” or “it’s complicated,” a token of forgiveness has been earned by Brown. And that’s not cool, to a whole lot of people.

Look, you could do this one song with Brown and never work with him again, or go record “Watch The Pop Throne” with him. You two could become a couple again and get married in Vegas next week. Maybe you want none of those things, or all of those things; you certainly have the right to do any of those things. In your words, “there’s only one you, so just be that.” Do you, Rihanna!

But, in all honesty… you can’t do you, Rihanna. Not here. Not with Chris Brown. Because like it or not, millions of people are paying attention to you, trying to be as cool as you, attempting to find love in a hopeless place and wondering if it’s okay to walk down the same dark alleyway twice. Young girls look up to people like you to guide them through circumstances too complex for them to tackle on their own, and by granting Chris Brown an iota of tolerance, you implicitly encourage others to consider doing the same.

If you continue letting Chris Brown slither into your work or personal life, nothing tremendous will happen – bloggers will blog and a backlash will form, but you’ll no doubt continue ruling the Hot 100 and the world will keep spinning.

Yet if you grit your teeth, sacrifice instinct and decide to inspire… even three years removed from that horrific incident, that “f-ck yourself” moment, that public banishment of the man who physically attacked you, will still resonate with so many people looking for their own morsel of strength. As essential as your voice has become in the pop landscape, you have the opportunity to deliver a message that transcends any lyric you could ever sing, to stand for something that lasts much longer than any three-minute piece of radio fodder. We, like you, all want to let our individuality shine – to know who we are, and just be ourselves – but in this one instance, we need your message to be perfect.

Personally, I get why she’s doing it and I know it seems like a slap in the face to a lot of people but it may be time for folks to move on. It’s obvious that Rihanna is attempting to send the message that ‘if I can forgive him for what he’s done to me, then you should be able to forgive him to’. When she invited him to her birthday party, she made it clear that she was tired of creeping around and she wants to live her life the way she wants to live it, no matter what people have to say.

Over the last few years, the media as well as the fans of both artists have become emotionally invested in the drama between the two (especially with the release of the court documents in Chris’ domestic violence case which conveniently popped up again this week after his Grammy win, the photos of her bruised face that leaked after the incident and her intimate sit down with Diane Sawyer). It’s going to be very hard for people to digest the possibility of her getting back together with Chris, let alone release a song with him, and even more interesting to see the reaction from the public and the media after the song and video is released. [If, of course, it is released as planned]

Well here's the song!

Update: Breezy has a lil something to say too

Lord its really is going to be on and poppin!

Stars come together to HONOR Muhammed Ali At The "Power Of Love" Gala

Kelly Rowland attended The Keep Memory Alive Foundation's "Power of Love Gala" celebrating Muhammad Ali's 70th birthday.

The event was held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada to benefit the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health and the Muhammad Ali Center.

Kelly Rowland was clearly the belle of the ball (going through three outfit changes) as she performed a few of her hits along with a tribute to both Whitney and Mr. Ali "The Greatest Love Of All."

Kelly's best look was this gold gown (which was decorated with gold rings).

Music icon Stevie Wonder also played a few songs for the boxing great.

He and Kelly also sang "The Greatest Love Of All" together.

Snoop Dogg wore a beige vest with a picture of the boxing legend painted on the front.

LL Cool J fittingly hit the stage and performed "Mama Said Knock You Out."

"The Voice" judge Cee-Lo Green also brought his brand of flair to the gala.

A very dapper John Legend also performed and later posed with actor Brad Garrett.

Only Lenny Kravitz can make a plain scarf and jeans combo look FAB.

Diddy also had a few words during the show.

Meanwhile, singer NeYo served as one of the presenters.

Samuel L. Jackson attended with his wife LaTanya Richardson.

Boxing icon Muhammed Ali was presented his honor by wife Lonnie Ali and Diddy.

FUN TIMES! Happy Birthday Ali!

Jennifer Lopez: Crazy At Carnival

Partying like it’s going out of style, Jennifer Lopez was spotted at the Carnival parade in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The “On the Floor” songstress wore a bright red getup including a Brahma Brazilian beer top as she danced around a private VIP box with her boyfriend Casper Smart and manager Benny Medina.
Prior to their arrival at the Carnival site, J. Lo and Casper were seen leaving their luxury hotel and taking pictures of Ipanema beach.

Also in the Carnival crowd was pop star Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson, who hung out in the Devassa VIP area with a bunch of locals while beautiful Brazilian dancers strolled by in their ornate costumes.

DMX Owes $1 MILLION In Back Child Support

DMX is being accused of owing more than $1 million in back child support, but X claims the child in question is not his….
TMZ reports that X’s ex, Patricia Trejo, was in L.A. Superior Court Thursday morning, arguing against a motion DMX filed in their ongoing paternity case. X’s who’s been getting some extra-press asked the court for permission to perform in Europe.

You see, in paternity cases where significant child support is owed, the owing parent is prohibited from obtaining a passport without a court order and X wants a special dispensation.
But Patricia put her foot down in court Thursday claiming DMX owed $1 million in unpaid child support, going back to her daughter’s birth over ten years ago and she was tired of waiting around.
DMX tells TMZ, he hasn’t paid because he’s not convinced the girl is his and he wants a DNA test to prove paternity before he starts handing over cash.

Vanessa Long Calls off the Divorce…AGAIN!

Embattled New Birth Missionary Baptist church Bishop Eddie Long has reason to celebrate: His on again off again divorce is off again...

Back in December Vanessa Long announced her filing for divorce from Bishop Eddie Long due to irreconcilable differences. Vanessa later called the divorce off and then called it back on
Though no official statement has been made, according to Dekalb County judicial records the filing has since been "dismissed without prejudice."

Cassie PARTIES IT UP At Her "King Of Hearts" Party

Cassie threw at party at SL in NYC to celebrate the release of her single "KIng Of Hearts."

She rocked a fur vest with an Alice Cooper t-shirt.

Her rumored love interest, Diddy, was right by her side.

They both posed with French Montana.

Jessica Rosenblum was responsible for putting the party together.

Funkmaster Flex rolled through the party to show love too!

However, One thing. Her voice, that song and the video...Is nothing to party about.

Solange Reveals She Won’t Be Giving Parenting Advice To Beyonce

Solange Knowles is looking “2 snaps” fierce in the latest issue of Rollercoaster Magazine. Inside, she dishes on her new role of being an auntie to her sister Beyonce’s baby girl, Blue Ivy. Even though she’s a mother herself, Solange reveals she will not be giving any parenting advice to Beyonce. She also dishes on loving the privacy she has, versus her sister and reaping the rewards of not being as famous.

On being an auntie to Baby Blue Ivy
It’s very different to being a mother, but there’s still that sort of magnetic bond and love that you can’t even put words on to describe.

I think babies in general are so lovable – and my sister’s baby, Blue, is so beautiful. She is really a beautiful little baby. It’s really special to have a niece because I have a son, so I get to have a little girl too

On why she’s not giving Beyonce any parenting advice
I think it’s really important for every mother to find their own way. I think it’s actually the most annoying thing when you’re a new mom and you’re getting so much advice from other mothers! You really just have to feel it out for yourself. But she’s my best friend and we talk at least every other day.

On Beyonce being her role model
She was and is such a role model, but I think more so it was an insane learning process for me to have a big sister like that – to be able to see the good, the bad and everything in between that comes with fame and success, and to know what I was getting myself into.

On enjoying her privacy
I really enjoy my privacy and being able to walk my son to school every morning and pick him up every afternoon.I know that I couldn’t do that if I was at the next level – privacy, as you know, it just doesn’t belong to you anymore. I definitely made a conscious effort to stay as low key as I can and still do what I want to do.

Solange has really been coming into her own lately.

The REAL reason why Aretha skipped the Funeral!!

The Queen of soul Aretha Franklin, couldn’t attend Houston’s funeral ceremony yesterday because of ongoing health issues or so we were told…

Franklin, 69, canceled her scheduled appearance at Houston’s funeral service, citing leg spasms, but sources and reviews note that the soul diva was fine Saturday night when she performed the second of two soldout concerts at Radio City Music Hall.

Sources say Franklin paid tribute to Houston during her concert — was even feeling well enough to entertain 40 of her friends at the Ritz Carlton hotel on Central Park South after Saturday’s show. Hummmmm!!!!

An eyewitness says Franklin, sporting a curly blond hairstyle, arrived on the arm of her on-again, off-again fiance William Wilkerson.“It looked like everyone was having a great time.”
Word on the street is Franklin pissed Whitney’s mom and family off after hearing comments she made during an interview she taped with Al Roker which is said to be really why she was absence from Houston’s funeral.

The video clip is no longer available on the “Today” website, but Franklin addressed Houston’s drug problem with what sounded like veiled criticism of the tragic singer’s upbringing.

“Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home,” Franklin told Roker. “They have to make sure when they leave home, they have all the right things. She left home with all the right things, but she just kind of lost her way along the way.”

Insider noted Franklin had a good relationship with Whitney, “she should have gone to the funeral, even on a gurney,” or, at the very least, taped a tribute.
A spokesman for Cissy did not respond, but Franklin’s spokeswoman, Tracey Jordan, insisted that after Franklin’s Friday concert, “her leg had muscle lock and spasms” and the “Respect” singer “was up until 4 a.m. the next morning with pain.”

Jordan adds that Franklin walked out of Radio City “barefoot” Friday night because the swelling in one of her legs prevented her from wearing shoes. “She had to keep off her leg and keep it elevated Saturday.”

Vanessa Bryant 'planning to move to New York'?

They're going through a divorces, but when Kobe and Vanessa Bryant were spotted kissing last week hopes were raised.
Emotions were running high for the 33-year-old NBA player; he'd just beaten the Atlanta Hawks with his team, the LA Lakers.
Add to that, it was Valentine's Day and the estranged wife he is said to still be madly in love with had been cheering him on, dressed in a bright lovers red.

But TMZ are reporting that Vanessa, 29 , and her children were in New York City over the weekend, looking for a big apartment.

A move to the East Coast wouldn't just be a blow for reconciliation hopes as far as Kobe is concerned, it would also devastate him to be so far away from the couple's daughters.
Both parties had requested custody of Natalia, nine, and Gianna, five.
Real estate sources told the website she is definitely buying a place in Manhattan, though won't indicate if she intends to quit LA.

Vanessa now owns three estates in Newport Beach, after Kobe transferred title to her as part of their divorce -- which has not yet become final.
Vanessa will get a total of $75 mil in the settlement.
TMZ write: 'As for whether Vanessa would move away from California ... we're told she thinks Lakers fans and Lakers wives don't like her -- at least that's the way she perceives it.'
The star is said to have promised his wife of nearly 11 years that he'll never stray again.

According to TMZ.com, he has 'aggressively' pursued Vanessa for the last three weeks.
He's been doing everything in his power to get her back, including buying lavish gifts such as an expensive piece of jewellery.
Though she's been receptive and wants to believe him, sources say she's not sure their marriage can be saved.

Though Vanessa filed legal documents to terminate their marriage last December, insiders say they wouldn't be surprised if the papers were withdrawn because 'they really love each other.'
They were seen kissing in the stands and later, in a tunnel on the way to the locker room.
If they do decide to move forward with their divorce, it won't become final until mid-June.
If they do terminate their marriage, they have asked for joint custody of their two daughters, nine-year-old Natalia and Gianna, five.

Allen Iverson Offered $20K Per Game To Play Indoor Soccer

Allen Iverson, the mercurial ex-NBA All Star guard, has fallen from the graces of basketball lore to near obscurity. After some recent headlines over unpaid bills along with passing on a NBA D-League opportunity, it appears a glimmer of hope remains for the former Sixers player to re-enter the world of professional sports after an offer was made to Iverson…to play indoor soccer.
The Major Indoor Soccer League team Rochester Lancers has offered the Hampton, VA native a chance to play with their team at a whopping $20K per game with a potential $5K bonus for each goal scored, reports Philadelphia news station NBC10. Over the weekend, Lancers VP Rich Randall sees something in Iverson that NBA GMs once saw in his basketball game.

"Allen Iverson is one of the premier athletes of our time," Lancers vice president Rich Randall said via a press release. "With his athleticism and competitive hunger, I think he can be a great fit with our team and fans as we make an important playoff push, while also driving interest to an exciting, growing sport.”

Although Iverson was a star basketball and football player in high school, he's never been known to play soccer. However, Randall thinks Iverson would be perfect for his team and an obvious media coup for the New York-based team.

Iverson hasn't played pro ball since a stint overseas in Turkey in 2010-11. With Iverson's garnishment issues over unpaid funds for jewelry, it isn't as if Iverson couldn't use the money to pay off his debt. But at 36, Iverson has a lot of miles on a battle-weary body and soccer is one of the more physically grueling sports around.

There's also that pesky thing called practice. Fans should know how Iverson feels about that.

NAS Come get your Daughter for real!

Nas' seventeen year old daughter Destiny is grown. Maybe a little too grown. On her recently deleted Twitter page Destiny showed off the box of condoms she keeps next to her bed...